Best MCAT study schedule—3 MCAT study options

What’s the best MCAT study schedule for acing the test?

Search the Internet, and you’ll find countless MCAT study schedules, MCAT study resources, and MCAT study tips. Everyone has their opinion on the best MCAT prep schedule based on their own experience and from hearing legendary tales of pre-med gunners on the street. However, what “best” is as elusive as it is impossible to define. Which is why all those prolific writers usually conclude with the same caveat: “Everyone is different” so “Find what works for you.” Frustrating, I know. So here are some solid ideas and tips to get you to the MCAT prep finish line…

Stretch it out, or quick prep?

Remember—you’re NOT in Kansas anymore!

The problem is, most premeds are seeking ironclad steps for acing the MCAT. They want structure and the ideal collection of material to study from. They’re craving someone to create the perfect MCAT study prep schedule. In other words, they want what their undergraduate classes have demanded—an assigned number of textbook pages to study from, a deadline, and even a practice exam. From personal experience getting through the MCAT, I can tell you that this approach—which may have worked in the past—will do little to create an effective MCAT study plan.

Here I’ll offer different some tips for effective MCAT study. Depending on your timeline, budget, and self-motivation, you’ll have to decide which MCAT study plan you think will work for you. Then I’ll give you three options:

stretch it out

quick prep, or

in-person prep

You can choose one, or create a new MCAT study schedule that integrates one or more option.

Before we get started making an MCAT study schedule, let me reiterate what I’ve written in a number of other columns about preparing for the MCAT: taking practice exams are the most important part of any MCAT study schedule.

Creating an MCAT Study Schedule

Before I spell out the different techniques and study plans, here are my two cents on how you should progress through your material (assuming you aren’t taking a class, which would likely give you an MCAT study schedule to follow). These are all easily modified plans, so sit down and create your own custom timeline and schedule once you settle on the best approach.

To Begin Your MCAT Study Schedule—Take a Full Length Practice Test

Within the first week, take an MCAT practice test. The section you score most poorly on should be the first you attack. Pull out your study material, whether it’s a book set or online resource, and make your way through the entire book/section. It may take 10-12 hours to effectively study and practice the material, but it will be time well spent. Then, move to your second worst subject using the same strategy. All of the MCAT review schedules below rely on this strategy of “worst to best” MCAT subject review. I recommend that you cycle through this rhythm of practice tests and studying until test day.

No matter which study schedule for the MCAT you plan to follow, make sure you have a dedicated, quiet study area free of interruptions—like an office or library cubicle.

Plan #1: “Stretch it Out” Study Schedule

You should know a year in advance when you’ll be taking the MCAT. If you don’t have a plan for when to take the MCAT, make one today. Here are all the dates in 2018. With your plan in hand, you can begin your MCAT study plan so you dominate on test day.

The “Stretch it out” method is common, especially among traditional pre-med students. You can purchase needed study materials (books, practice tests, classes) a year before you take the test and commit to a certain amount of time you’ll spend studying for the MCAT every week. Setting up a daily MCAT study schedule is the best idea.

If you’re stretching out your study over a semester, you may choose to enroll in a semester-long MCAT prep course like those from Princeton or Kaplan. (see our discounts here), in combination with longer term self-study. In this case, you might rather than a daily MCAT study schedule, you might decide to set aside three 2-hour time slots every week to sit down with your MCAT prep books and study, in addition to 2 hours a week in a classroom (assuming you invest in an MCAT prep course). You should also set aside at least one day every month (more if possible) to take a full length MCAT practice test. As you get closer to test day, you will want to increase the frequency of the full length MCAT practice tests and invest more time in MCAT studying. This is a long, drawn-out process and one that requires commitment up front. It’s easy to justify not studying one day when the MCAT is 8 months down the road, but one day turns into two, then three, and so on…

Take a full-length practice test on the third Saturday of every month.

April-May

Study Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 4-7 p.m. at the library.

Take full-length MCAT practice tests on three Saturdays.

June

Continue studying at least four days a week and take two, full-length practice tests the week before test day.

June 16, 2018

Test day!!

Pros: Able to cover all MCAT material, less stressful, easy to manage time commitment, able to study while working or going to school full time.

Cons: Easy to put off studying; material you study early on may not be as fresh as you get closer to test day.

Plan #2: “Quick Prep” 2 Month MCAT Study Schedule (Or Less)

I’d say the second most common MCAT study schedule is some variation of what I’m about to explain. A lot of pre-med students plan to take the MCAT at some point during their summer break—in May, June, or July. That means you’ll have the freedom to commit vast amounts of time and energy each day to studying for the MCAT starting the last day of classes and running all the way through test day.

Your goal should be to commit as much time as possible every day to your MCAT study schedule. If you have 2 months until test day, you may spend 5-6 hours, 6 days a week studying. If you only have a few weeks, you may study for 8-9 hours a day, 6-7 days a week. The point being: you need to give yourself the time to cover every subject a couple of times, and have the time to take at least 8 practice tests.

An effective way to implement this daily MCAT study schedule, assuming you have about 8 weeks to prepare, is to study from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and to take practice tests on Saturdays. As you get closer to test day (the final three weeks), you should take practice tests on Wednesdays as well. If you have less time (say 4 weeks) you’ll want to increase study hours per day and tests per week. I would not recommend giving yourself less than 3 weeks for your intensive MCAT preparation schedule.

Example:

Late April

Before undergraduate classes are over, buy an MCAT prep book set and an online class resource, and/or enroll in a summer MCAT prep course.

Continue studying, but during the two weeks before test day take full-length practice tests on Wednesday and Saturday. Put these on your calendar!

June 16, 2018

Test day!!

Pros: Can focus solely on MCAT prep with all of the material fresh in your mind on test day, since there is continuity in your studies.

Cons: Ultra-time consuming; studying becomes your full-time job, and it can be difficult to stay focused during day-long study sessions.

Option #3: “In-Person” Prep Course

A number of different companies offer various MCAT prep courses. Two of the best MCAT prep courses are Kaplan and Princeton Review. Here is a review of these two classes. Some companies offer online MCAT classes, which you can take on your own timeline (like above), while others are intensive, demanding courses that dictate every piece of material you should study and when. They provide needed structure for those who want it, along with proven resources. If you are interested in going this route, you’ll want to find a course that works for you and your MCAT study schedule, then stick to it. The prices vary dramatically, ranging from $1,799 for self-paced classes you can use for either the “stretched out” or “quick prep” option, up to $9,500-plus for intense summer programs. Yes, I know that’s about the cost of a new compact car!

If you’re interested in this route, do your research. Check out our review of classes and options here. A lot of universities also offer MCAT prep courses tailored to their students. Look around and find the combination you think will work best for you. Understand, though, that while classes offer structure and resources, they DO NOT ensure your MCAT studying gets done. No matter the study schedule for the MCAT that you choose, you will have to put in the same amount of work and time in order to achieve your desired results.

How Disciplined are You?

If you have self-control and discipline, then follow my MCAT study schedule (above) and you could study on your own. If you are easily distracted and find it difficult to stick with study plans you’ve had in the past, invest in an MCAT prep course. Or choose the hybrid option of signing up for a “self-paced” Kaplan or Princeton Review class a year early, in combination with the other materials you choose. Most importantly, dedicate yourself 100% to your plan, whatever it is. Getting the score you want takes time and effort.

So, back to my caveat: Everyone is different, so you’ll need to find out what’s a good MCAT study schedule for you. Wishing you the best; I promise there will come a time when the MCAT is in your rear view mirror and you can let out a well deserved sigh!

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Pre-med just finished my last year of university, sat for the MCAT in June and got acceptance to my preferred school. Awaiting news on one other med school where I'm on the wait list! Volleyball, sports and travel are my passions.

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